Australia’s first lawn festival to be held on Sunshine Coast

HE RUNS the Australian Lawn Fanatics Facebook group, is about to hold the nation’s only lawn festival, and hopes to set a new lawn-related world record.

Brisbane’s Rusty Garton is a house-proud lawn lover. Picture: Peter Wallis

FOR Australia’s growing community of lawn lovers, the grass is always greener on their side of the fence.

The Australian Lawn Fanatics Facebook group, run by Brisbane’s Rusty Garton, has developed a following of more than 27,000 people to talk about all things grass.

And this year the fascination with lawns has grown so much, a lawn festival will be held today.

Mr Garton said the festival was a chance to welcome in spring, when many homeowners planned to renovate their lawn.

“A house with a nice lawn can up the sale price by like $70,000,” Mr Garton said.

“It’s the street appeal. People rock up and think if the lawn is looked after, then the house must be immaculate.”

Mr Garton said there had been a surge in well-kept front yards in recent years.

“A lot of it comes down to people wanting to take pride in their property,” he said.

“They also want somewhere fun that looks nice, lush and comfortable for the kids to play on.”

LawnFest 2018 – the only festival of its kind in Australia – is being held at the Go Turf turf farm at Beerburrum, 9am-1pm.

The family event will include a world record attempt for the most mowers mowing, jumping castles, and plenty of educational talks about keeping your lawn tidy.

Originally published as Australia’s first lawn festival to be held on Sunshine Coast